Johannes Kunst 1938-2017
A Life of Color, Imagination, and Unshakable Spirit
Johannes Kunst (1938–2017) was a visionary Dutch-American artist who transformed the complexities of the human experience into a vibrant language of color and symbolism. His work is a testament to the power of the creative spirit—not merely as a reflection of life, but as a sovereign force that can build worlds of beauty out of the shadows of history.
The Sanctuary of the Attic
While Johannes’s earliest years were shaped by the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, his art was born from a place of light. In the attic of his grandparents’ farm in Opeinde, a young Johannes discovered a sacred territory. This was not a place of hiding, but a limitless sanctuary—a private kingdom where he was free to imagine, play, and create.
Surrounded by the "forgotten things" of the rafters, he built a stage for his mind. This early experience defined his lifelong "compulsive" need to create; for Johannes, art was never a choice—it was the air he breathed to maintain his unshakable spirit.
“The war affected my whole life... You live it every day.”
— Johannes Kunst
An Artist Who Painted from the Heart
Kunst believed deeply in the healing and connective power of art. Drawing inspiration from the bold colors of Vincent van Gogh, he developed a distinctive voice that fused his European roots with the energy of American pop art and abstraction. Across decades of painting and drawing, his work remained centered on storytelling — both personal and universal.
Whether he was reflecting on childhood, commenting on world events, or exploring fantasy and nature, Kunst approached every subject with authenticity and emotion. His art was never just about aesthetics — it was about connection, compassion, and joy.
See a Johannes interview regarding the Chernobyl Disaster and his art (1994):
Art as a Humanitarian Force
Johannes was an artist of profound empathy. His work often functioned as a visual manifesto for the world he cared for so deeply. From his Amazon Series (environmental crisis) to his Sleeping Bag Series (homelessness), he used "really nice, bright colors" to invite viewers into conversations about compassion, resilience, and the shared human soul.
A Creative Force on Both Sides of the Atlantic
Though he eventually settled in the United States, Kunst stayed closely connected to his Dutch heritage throughout his life. He lived, worked, and exhibited in both the Netherlands and the U.S., contributing to the cultural dialogue of both continents.
In the 1960s and '70s, he became a part of the Los Angeles art scene, where he embraced the boldness of pop, funk, and color movements. At the same time, he worked as a graphic designer and art director, blending his professional training with his personal art practice to develop the clean lines, strong shapes, and vibrant palettes that became his signature.
He showed his work in respected West Coast venues like the Comsky Gallery in Beverly Hills and was celebrated in both European and American art circles.
A New Chapter in the Pacific Northwest
In the 1980s, Kunst moved to Seattle and opened Hanke Gallery, continuing to paint and exhibit with passion and purpose. He shared gallery space with modern icons including Jasper Johns, Robert Motherwell, Claes Oldenburg, Frank Stella, and Andy Warhol, yet his own style remained distinct — deeply narrative, colorful, and uniquely personal.
Even while surrounded by influential figures, Kunst never lost sight of what made his work meaningful: its ability to uplift, provoke thought, and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.
The Eternal Promise
Until his passing in 2017, Johannes painted almost daily—always evolving, always exploring the "infinite line." Today, his widow and life-long muse, Harmanna Kunst, serves as the dedicated sentry of his legacy. At 83 years old, she continues to catalogue and share his massive collection, ensuring that the "Boy in the Attic" is remembered not just as a survivor, but as a radiant creative force.
Johannes’s story lives on in every bold line and vibrant hue—a reminder that the human imagination is a sanctuary that no darkness can occupy.
A Joyful Legacy Lives On
Johannes Kunst continued creating art well into his later years. Until his passing in 2017, he painted almost daily — always evolving, always exploring. His wife, Harmanna Kunst, has since lovingly cataloged his work and is dedicated to sharing it with the world.
Recent exhibitions like "Hiding from the Nazis: The Art of Johannes Kunst" at Seattle’s Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA) have reintroduced his extraordinary pieces to new audiences, sparking fresh conversations and admiration.
Celebrating Johannes Kunst
Today, Johannes Kunst is remembered not only as a survivor and storyteller, but as a radiant creative force — someone who turned life’s darkest moments into visual worlds of color, playfulness, and profound meaning. His legacy is a testament to the enduring power of creative expression — one that transcends time, and continues to inspire and connect us all.
His story lives on in every bold line, every vibrant hue, and every piece that reminds us that art can illuminate even the deepest shadows.
